Austin Dog Photographer | Austin Pet Photographer | Award-Winning Photographer
COVID Health and Safety Precautions
As we continue to face the COVID-19 health crisis, we are doing everything we can to keep our clients and ourselves safe and healthy.
Studio Precautions:
- Both myself and my husband are fully vaccinated, including booster.
- The Studio is equipped with a Coway Mighty air purifier, which is designed to accommodate room sizes up to 361 sq.ft (our studio is 155 sq.ft).
- Masks are required while in the studio.
- Studio sessions are limited to two bookings per day, which are spaced apart to allow time to clean.
- The studio is cleaned and disinfected between every client.
Client Precautions:
- Clients entering the studio must be fully vaccinated, including booster if past 6 months from second dose or if previous vaccination was J&J.
- If choosing to accompany dogs into the studio, proof of vaccination must be provided at the time of booking. We also offer convenient drop-off sessions.
- Clients must wear a properly fitted mask covering the nose and mouth, while in the studio, or during drop-off. (no face shields, Gaiter neck fleeces, or masks with valves/vents)
- Only one client permitted in the studio at a time.
- At this time we are not able to include clients in photos with their dog(s).
- Clients are screened prior to their session, regarding any symptoms or potential exposure.
We appreciate your support as we endeavor to provide you with quality portraits while keeping everyone safe and healthy.
THE PROCESS
BOOK YOUR SESSION
The booking process starts with a pre-session questionnaire. This helps me learn more about your dog and what to expect when working with them. A studio session is not right for every dog, so we can also help determine if a studio session with Green Paws Photography is right for your dog and if so, what type of session will work best. Once I learn what will work best for your dog, you will then choose your session date from several upcoming spots available that meet your needs.
Once the date is chosen, you will receive a portrait agreement electronically (via DocuSign) to review and sign. Then we will send out an invoice for your session fee via Paypal. Payment may be made using a Paypal account, or checkout as a guest with any major credit card, or mail in a check. Upon receipt of the signed agreement and session fee, your date is secured. See below for tips on preparing for your session.
THE SESSION
We begin by taking the time to let your dog relax and get to know the space. I work with controlled studio lighting as well as simple props and backdrops. The focus is on your dog having a wonderful and relaxing portrait experience, so they can shine. We work at a pace that suits your dog and take frequent little breaks to make sure your dog doesn't get tired or stressed. When I am working with your dog, it is important that the client not distract them, by calling their name, giving commands, or otherwise diverting their attention. If your dog doesn't have a solid stay, I may incorporate your help, but otherwise, it's best if you sit back and relax while I do my thing! Don't worry; I don't expect them to sit and listen all the time. I want them to stay relaxed and not feel restricted, so don't worry if it looks like your dog is not cooperating, it's all part of the process.
Please note: Studio portrait sessions are not suited to all dogs. Dogs that are very nervous or startle easily may not do well in a studio session. Please request a no-obligation consultation, if you would like to discuss whether a studio session is right for your dog.
PREVIEW AND ORDERING APPOINTMENT
Preview and ordering appointments will be scheduled approximately 1 to 2 weeks after the session. This is the time when you see all your final images and make decisions on your portrait order. Currently preview and ordering appointments are being done virtually. We’ll help you sort through the images and make final decisions on what will look best with your decor and what fits your needs and budget. Specializing in custom fine art Eco-products, we take the guesswork out of choosing ethically and environmentally friendly products. We have carefully selected the perfect product line that balances Eco-minded art with exceptional heirloom quality. To learn more about our product line, check out the Products page under "Info" in the menu above. We will work with you to choose your custom artwork, so you won't be overwhelmed with options. It is a good idea to consider your budget before the viewing appointment, so that we can help you make the most of it when choosing products that are right for you. For wall art, we recommend that you take some time to consider where the art will hang and the size of the wall space. We also encourage you to send a picture of the wall space ahead of your appointment (please ask for instructions in doing so).
YOUR ARTWORK
In about 4-6 weeks your order will be ready for pickup (2-4 weeks for prints, up to 6 weeks for handcrafted items). Then it's time to enjoy your artwork and let it bring a smile to your face each day!
How Drop-Off Sessions Work
- Before and after each session, the studio will be meticulously cleaned, including props, surfaces, etc., as well as regular hand washing before and after sessions. We will be doing limited sessions per week with sessions spaced out to allow plenty of time between for cleaning.
- You will arrive outside our residential studio at your scheduled session time.
- Your dog should be wearing a clean leash and collar only. If your dog usually wears a halter, we ask that you remove it prior to drop off and only use a basic collar and leash or a simple slip leash. No retractable leashes (for safety). If you don't have a plain leash, let us know and a slip leash can be brought out for the transfer.
- We are not able to include clothing, accessories, toys, or props for drop-off
sessions. - When you arrive, please do not come to the door or ring the doorbell. I will come out to meet you. If I don't within a few minutes, just text that you have arrived.
- I will collect your dog from you and bring him/her into my studio. Your
dog will be taken directly into the studio and will not have contact with other dogs. - You are free to wait outside, in your car, go for a walk, or pop right across the freeway to grab a coffee or a quick bite.
- After getting your dog comfortable in the studio and letting them get to know me, I will spoil them with homemade treats, while capturing some beautiful portraits.
- Sessions will be kept short, to avoid long waits for you and reduce any stress
on your dog; approximately 30 minutes for most sessions. - Your dog will then be brought back out to you when the session is complete. I will text you ~5 minutes before bringing them out, so you can be ready.
NOTE: Dogs must be comfortable with strangers and have no aggression issues. Contact us for multiple dog options.
PREPARING FOR YOUR SESSION
- This is VERY important. For the weeks approaching your session, work with your dog on sit/stay/down commands. Use positive reinforcement and practice daily in short intervals (10-15 minutes). Training sessions need to be fun, so when the time comes for your dog to use those skills, they are relaxed and confident. To get the best results, your dog needs to have a few basic commands mastered, including sit and stay. Intermediate or advanced training is not necessary.
- Bring your dog to the session a little tired and a little hungry. Plan to exercise your dog BEFORE the session. Just enough exercise to alleviate any over-excitement, but not so much that they are worn out for the session. Do this a few hours before the session to avoid excessive panting and drooling. Also, don’t feed your dog a full meal before a shoot; otherwise they will be less alert and more in the mood for a nap. If your dog is low energy or senior, exercise prior to the session is not necessary.
- DO NOT BRING OUTSIDE FOOD OR TREATS TO THE STUDIO. I provide healthy homemade treats as part of your portrait experience. Please let me know if your dog has any allergies or diet restrictions.
- Your dog should be bathed two days before and brushed out the day before. You know how your dog will look his or her best, but if you do choose to have your dog trimmed, we recommend you have that done a week before the sitting rather than a day or two prior in case the cut is too short, or not exactly what you expected. This allows a little time to grow out. A grooming and portrait session on the same day can be a lot of stress for many dogs, so try to avoid that as well.
- If your dog has fur that grows or hangs over their eyes, you will want to either have it trimmed to allow their eyes to be seen, or have a clip or beret to hold it back. For a portrait to have impact, you want to connect with the subject and that is done through the eyes.
- Please be sure to trim your dog's nails to avoid any scratches or damage to furniture, props, or flooring.
- Feel free to bring a toy or two that your dog loves! If your dog is highly toy or ball obsessed, it is best to skip those.
- Your tone of voice and body language translate very effectively to your dog and their mood. The photographer may ask you to assist during your session. If doing so, please remember to use compassionate authority. Never discipline or yell at your dog during a session, this will only increase their anxiety. With soothing talk, positive reinforcement and patient repetition, your dog will eventually figure out what we want them to do.
- In the weeks leading up to your session, we also recommend exposing your dog to unique experiences. This is especially important if they do not like car rides, or only go in the car when visiting the vet or groomer. The more exposure they get to novel experiences, the more comfortable they will be in the studio.
- We understand that some dogs have special needs; anxiety, fear of new things, nervousness/timidity, etc. Please make us aware of any issues your dog may have so that we can be sensitive to those concerns. You may want to schedule a studio visit prior to your session, so your dog gets to know the space and photographer ahead of time.
- PLEASE NOTE: Some dogs can be sensitive to the small popping sound made by the studio lights. Most dogs are not bothered by it or get used to it very quickly, but some become stressed and fearful. In some cases, the dog just will not tolerate the studio and/or lights. Dogs that are fearful or timid in new places ma also not tolerate being in the studio. If your dog becomes stressed or fearful, we will need to end the session. In most cases, you will receive a full refund of your session fee (if applicable).
We want you and your dog to enjoy the experience and get wonderful pieces of art for your home! Please contact me with any other questions you may have.
